Transient epileptic amnesia: an under-diagnosed phenomenon? Three more cases

Three cases of patients with transient epileptic amnesia (also known as pure amnestic seizure) are described. In two patients it was the unique seizure type and represented de novo epilepsy occurring in the elderly. In the third patient it coexisted with long standing complex partial seizure of mesial temporal lobe origin. The problems associated with the diagnosis and the main clinical features are discussed. In addition the underlining pathophysiological mechanisms are considered. It is argued that this seizure type is likely to be under-diagnosed and that further research is needed as the presence of TEA has significant implications for clinical and surgical management.